an isolated instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an isolated instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single occurrence that is not part of a larger pattern or trend. Example: "The report indicated that the error was an isolated instance and not indicative of a systemic issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It wasn't an isolated instance.

The New York Times

She is not an isolated instance.

The New York Times

Presumably, it was an isolated instance.

The New York Times

Hers was hardly an isolated instance of mob shaming online.

The New York Times

The mass rape in Minova was not an isolated instance.

Independent

The story of Lucent and Cisco is hardly an isolated instance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"The easiest one to use is where we basically create you a 100percentnt isolated instance in Amazon [Web Services]," says Halstead.

TechCrunch

As in the previous novel, a seemingly isolated instance of murder is revealed to be connected with the soul-destroying machine of Palestinian politics.

Huffington Post

Yet even as investigators began the criminal inquiry, the sudden appearance of anthrax in South Florida was still thought to be a stunning but isolated instance of bioterrorism aimed at American Media.

The New York Times

Ferguson was a spark that turned isolated instances of activism into a national conversation and produced numerous examples of partnerships between advocates and decision-makers.

The Guardian - Opinion

("Those are isolated instances," an Avon spokesman insists).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an isolated instance" to emphasize that a particular event or situation is not part of a pattern or trend. This can help to reassure the audience that the issue is not widespread.

Common error

Avoid using "an isolated instance" when there is evidence of similar occurrences. Misrepresenting a recurring issue as "an isolated instance" can damage credibility and create distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an isolated instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It serves to characterize a specific event or situation as being unique and not representative of a larger pattern. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a single occurrence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an isolated instance" is a phrase used to describe a singular event or occurrence that is not part of a recurring pattern. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While the phrase is common, it's important to use it accurately; misrepresenting a trend as "an isolated instance" can be misleading. Alternatives include phrases like "a unique occurrence" or "a singular incident". Be mindful of the context and audience to choose the most appropriate expression. The phrase has a neutral to formal tone, making it versatile for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a singular incident

Similar to "an isolated instance" but places more emphasis on the event itself.

an individual occurrence

Focuses on the event happening separately and distinctly.

a unique occurrence

Emphasizes the singularity and distinctiveness of the event.

a one-off event

Informal, highlighting that the event is not expected to be repeated.

a solitary case

Emphasizes the lack of accompanying or related instances.

an exceptional case

Suggests the instance deviates from the norm.

an atypical example

Implies the instance is not representative of a larger trend.

an unprecedented situation

Highlights the lack of prior examples or parallels.

a rare phenomenon

Highlights the infrequency of the occurrence.

a freak incident

Implies the instance was unexpected and unusual.

FAQs

How can I use "an isolated instance" in a sentence?

You can use "an isolated instance" to describe something that happened only once and is not part of a broader pattern. For example, "The company assured investors that the security breach was "an isolated instance" and not a sign of systemic vulnerability".

What's the difference between "an isolated instance" and "a trend"?

"An isolated instance" refers to a single occurrence, while "a trend" indicates a pattern or tendency over time. If something is happening repeatedly, it's likely a trend rather than "an isolated instance".

Which is a more formal way to say "an isolated instance"?

More formal alternatives to "an isolated instance" include "a unique occurrence" or "a singular incident". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

What can I say instead of "an isolated instance" if I want to emphasize rarity?

If you want to emphasize rarity, you could use phrases like "a rare phenomenon" or "an exceptional case" instead of "an isolated instance".